Quick Links: Table of Contents
- English Setter Versus French Spaniel: Introduction
- English Setter versus French Spaniel: Overview
- English Setter versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the English Setter and the French Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the English Setter and the French Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of English Setter versus French Spaniel
- Price of English Setter versus Price of French Spaniel
- Health Problems of English Setter versus Health Problems of French Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: English Setter versus French Spaniel
- Which one drools more, the English Setter or the French Spaniel
- Can English Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Do English Setters shed more than French Spaniels?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the English Setter or the French Spaniel?
- Is the English Setter Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?
- Can English Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Do English Setters Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?
- Are English Setters good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are English Setters and French Spaniels?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the English Setter or the French Spaniel?
- Does the English Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?
- Wanderlust Potential: English Setter vs. French Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the English Setter
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the French Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: English Setter versus French Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
English Setter Versus French Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the English Setter and the French Spaniel? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the English Setter and the French Spaniel better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the English Setter and the French Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the English Setter and the French Spaniel is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the English Setter and for the French Spaniel. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the English Setter and the French Spaniel.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the English Setter or the French Spaniel
English Setter versus French Spaniel: Overview
Both the English Setter and the French Spaniel are similar in size. The English Setter and the French Spaniel are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, both the English Setter and the French Spaniel are Sporting Dogs. This means both the English Setter and the French Spaniel were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
English Setter versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the English Setter to the French Spaniel based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
| Factor | English Setter | French Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the | 21 to 24 inches. |
| Life Span | 11 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years. |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 80 pounds | 45 to 60 pounds. |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1020 | $4250 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1200 | $3875 – $4625 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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*Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the English Setter in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the French Spaniel. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for a English Setter is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a French Spaniel is 85 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the French Spaniel is a better pet than the English Setter. So, you should get the French Spaniel!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the English Setter and the French Spaniel so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the English Setter and the French Spaniel
Below is a list of where the English Setter and the French Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the English Setter and the French Spaniel
The English Setter and the French Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the English Setter and the French Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of English Setter versus French Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the English Setter and the French Spaniel.
English Setters weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. English Setters are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the when fully grown.
On the other hand, French Spaniels weigh 45 to 60 pounds. when fully grown. French Spaniels are 21 to 24 inches. when fully grown.
Price of English Setter versus Price of French Spaniel
The average price of the English Setter puppy is $1020. The price of the English Setter typically ranges from $800 – $1200. However, the price of a English Setter can be as low as $450 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 English Setter puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the French Spaniel puppy is $4250. The price of the French Spaniel typically ranges from $3875 – $4625. However, the price of a French Spaniel can be as low as $3500 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2 French Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The French Spaniel is more expensive than the English Setter.
| English Setter | French Spaniel | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1020 | $4250 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1200 | $3875 to $4625 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the English Setter and French Spaniel. For different price points, the charts show how many English Setter puppies or how many French Spaniel puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of English Setters. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of French Spaniels
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the English Setter puppy or the French Spaniel puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking from a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Health Problems of English Setter versus Health Problems of French Spaniel
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.
Both the English Setter and the French Spaniel are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the English Setter is prone to more genetic health problems than the French Spaniel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the English Setter than for the French Spaniel.
4 health tests are recommended for English Setter while 3 tests are recommended for the French Spaniel.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in English Setters and in French Spaniels.
English Setter Health Problems
English Setters are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing English Setter puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a English Setter puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your English Setter breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen English Setters for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for English Setters here.
French Spaniel Health Problems
French Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing French Spaniel puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a French Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your French Spaniel breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen French Spaniels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for French Spaniels here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in English Setters and French Spaniels
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the English Setter Breed is Baer Hearing (Es) problems.
This is because the English Setter ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Baer Hearing (Es) problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 4303 English Setters, 4 of them had Baer Hearing (Es) problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in English Setters, and how common these diseases are in English Setters relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the French Spaniel Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the French Spaniel ranks 125 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 254 French Spaniels, 23 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in French Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in French Spaniels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in English Setter and in French Spaniel and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the English Setter and the French Spaniel:
| Disease | English Setter Rank | French Spaniel Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Baer Hearing (Es) problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 1 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Baer Hearing Test problems | 4 out of 21 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 28 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 70 out of 198 dog breeds | 125 out of 198 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Is the English Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the French Spaniel?
English Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.
French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Tolerates Being Alone: English Setter versus French Spaniel
English Setters do not like to be left alone.
French Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Which one drools more, the English Setter or the French Spaniel
English Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.
French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the English Setter or the French Spaniel?
English Setters are OK for new dog owners.
French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Can English Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
English Setters can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
French Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Do English Setters shed more than French Spaniels?
English Setters shed moderately.
French Spaniels shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the English Setter or the French Spaniel?
English Setters are moderately easy to groom.
French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Is the English Setter Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?
English Setters are fairly easy to train.
French Spaniels are very easy to train.
Can English Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
English Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.
French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Do English Setters Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?
English Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
French Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Are English Setters good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?
English Setters are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
French Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are English Setters and French Spaniels?
English Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
French Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the English Setter or the French Spaniel?
English Setters get along very well with other dogs.
French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Does the English Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?
English Setters have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
French Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Wanderlust Potential: English Setter vs. French Spaniel
English Setters have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
French Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the English Setter
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the English Setter that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the English Setter:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the French Spaniel
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the French Spaniel that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the French Spaniel:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the English Setter and how the French Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the English Setter and of the French Spaniel to other breeds:
English Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds
English Setter versus Giant Schnauzer English Setter versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier English Setter versus Shih Tzu English Setter versus Maltese English Setter versus Affenpinscher English Setter versus Boerboel English Setter versus Mudi English Setter versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog English Setter versus Barbet English Setter versus Pomsky
French Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
French Spaniel versus Coton de Tulear French Spaniel versus Pomeranian French Spaniel versus Karelian Bear Dog French Spaniel versus Barbet French Spaniel versus English Cocker Spaniel French Spaniel versus Silky Terrier French Spaniel versus Field Spaniel French Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel French Spaniel versus Irish Terrier French Spaniel versus Pomapoo
Conclusion: English Setter versus French Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the English Setter and the French Spaniel better suits you and your family.